A serious maritime incident in the Strait of Hormuz has sharply escalated diplomatic tensions between India and Iran, even as the vital energy chokepoint faces renewed restrictions from Iranian forces.

Two Indian-flagged vessel came under fire from Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats, prompting India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to summon Iran’s Ambassador to New Delhi for a formal protest.

According to Indian government sources and maritime reports, the Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Sanmar Herald was among at least two Indian vessels targeted while attempting to transit the strait on Saturday. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that IRGC gunboats approached a tanker approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast of Oman and opened fire without prior radio warning. A second vessel was reportedly struck by an unknown projectile, damaging containers. Crew members on the affected ships are reported safe, with no injuries or major damage to the vessels confirmed so far. The ships were forced to turn back.

The MEA summoned Iranian Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Fathali for a meeting late Saturday, lodging a strong protest and seeking an immediate explanation. Indian officials described the incident as unacceptable and expressed concern over the safety of Indian seafarers and commercial interests in the region.